Pakistan’s northwestern region witnessed a deadly suicide bombing as Khawarij militants attacked Bannu Cantt, resulting in the martyrdom of at least 12 individuals, including children, while over two dozen others sustained injuries.
According to reports from international media, the suicide bombings targeted a military base just before Iftar, when locals had gathered at a mosque to break their fast. The attacks led to widespread destruction in the surrounding areas, including the mosque where worshippers were engaged in prayers.
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Militants belonging to the TTP splinter group, Jaish Al-Fursan, rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the military base’s wall, creating a breach. However, the security forces successfully thwarted the attack.
Following the explosion, the assailants attempted to storm the compound but were pushed back by the Pakistani armed forces. The blast caused significant damage to nearby structures, including the mosque, whose roof collapsed with worshippers inside. Rescue teams later recovered the body of the mosque’s imam from the rubble, while several others were feared trapped.
Among the martyrs, at least four were children residing near the attack site. Officials at Bannu District Hospital reported extensive damage to residential and commercial buildings due to the blasts, leading to a rising death toll.
Local hospitals declared a medical emergency as many of the injured were in critical condition. Additional medical staff, including doctors and paramedics, were called in urgently to manage the crisis.
The Pakistan Army confirmed the elimination of six militants involved in the attack. However, the military’s media wing has yet to release an official statement regarding the total number of casualties. This tragic incident marks the third militant attack in the country since the beginning of Ramadan.
